GST on books irks parents

Srikakulam: Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation on text books, note books, work books, uniforms, school bags, pens and pencils became a burden on parents. 

Twelve per cent GST was imposed on all these products from this academic year as a result prices of all the books, uniforms and other products were enhanced by the school managements and traders. When compared to last academic year, prices are being increased this year. 

Last year the cost of Class I text and note books in private schools were Rs 1200 while this year the cost of the same books touched Rs 2,000. Actually, GST on clothes is five per cent but school managements and traders are collecting 10 per cent in the name of GST on uniforms from parents of the students. 

Most of the private school managements are forcing the parents to purchase books and uniforms in their school only or shops where they suggest. As a result, they hiked the rates by 25 per cent this year in the name of GST. 

In Srikakulam, parents had spent Rs 19,000 to Rs 20,000 last year, including tuition fee, on their wards who studied in a private school. While this year, it was enhanced to Rs 27,000 to Rs 30,000 in the name of GST.

“Cost of text and note books was increased this year when compared to last year rates. We paid Rs 8,000 extra on books for my two children for their elementary classes in a private school”, a housewife Tammineni Anuradha told The Hans India. 

There are different categories of GST for trading, manufacturing, printing, binding on books, GST officials G Rani Mohan, N Srinivas, EV Satyannarayana, Ch Purushotham Naidu explained. 

“We are not directly concerned with taxes, but we will take action against the school management based on a complaint, , if it is collecting high amount”, district educational officer M Sairam assured